Module 1 Assignment 2

Course Review

In this course, you will learn about the methods used by civilian and military investigators as well as forensic psychology professionals to gather information. Depending on the techniques used to obtain information, you will then apply psychological techniques and scientific methods to evaluate the potential challenges to the reliability and validity of the information that is collected. Additionally, you will consider the ethical principles and legal constraints that apply to the different methods used to interview and interrogate others. The emphasis of this course is on evaluating professional standards for participation in interviews and in the interrogation process by incorporating forensic psychology techniques.

Forensic psychology professionals do not participate in civilian or military interrogations, but they often serve as advisors to those who conduct interrogations. The role of a forensic psychology professional during interrogations should involve applying scientific principles to increase the reliability and validity of the information obtained. Additionally forensic psychology professionals do not participate in interrogations because they have professional obligations to all persons with whom they interact, and those obligations are often at odds with the legitimate goals of police officers and investigators.

It is the responsibility of psychology professionals to safeguard the interests of all parties with whom they have professional relationships and inform them of the potential implications associated with participating in a psychological interview and/or assessment. However, police officers and investigators do not have professional obligations to safeguard the personal interests of those they interview or interrogate. They are often legally authorized to deceive or mislead suspects to assist them in gathering information. Psychology professionals should not deceive or mislead those with whom they have relationships.